Thread: Oil Level Sensor Problems

I've had my Oil Level Sensor replaced several times. They keep failing and needing to be replaced. Luckily my mechanic will fix them for free since I paid for the install already and the part is warrantied. It's the Autozone equivalent part. Anyone else have problems with the Oil Level Sensor failing? I'm thinking of buying the GM part for it and installing it myself, anyone know how to do it? I think I know where it is based on the diagram for it. I would think I need to drain the oil, replace the sensor, and then fill the oil back up. Just wanted to be sure that sounds right to anyone that has done it before. Any help would be awesome. Thanks!!

After 10yrs working as an auto electrical tech one thing I can say with 100% certainty.

DON'T BUY AFTERMARKET SENSORS (autozone, advance auto, oreIlly, napa, etc.)

There I said it. 9 times out of 10 they are junk, dont last or give false values anyways.

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It's attached to the oil filter housing. You don't have to drain the oil to do it

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Originally Posted by rperry435

It's attached to the oil filter housing. You don't have to drain the oil to do it

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Thats the oil pressure sensor/switch.

The oil level sensor is on the side of the oil pan, in the middle.

Originally Posted by rperry435

After 10yrs working as an auto electrical tech one thing I can say with 100% certainty.

DON'T BUY AFTERMARKET SENSORS (autozone, advance auto, oreIlly, napa, etc.)

There I said it. 9 times out of 10 they are junk, dont last or give false values anyways.

Sent from my Galaxy SIII on Tapatalk 2

i blew 3 of them sensors up too, they all leaked out the plug end, all pep boys or auto zone crap. right now theres a brass plug in the hole to block it off, it gets old fast.

buy a oil pressure gauge, problem solved.


best way ive found to change it tho is to take off the pass side tire, reach in with large channel locks and remove it with them, the large wrench has no room to work in, not worth the effort. then re install the new one just snug it up, it has tapered threads so stop cranking when it first gets tight. make it nice and snug, thats it! notice how much threads are showing on the old one before you take it out, thats as far in as it goes.

I feel like one of only a couple people that can read today. LEVEL SENSOR, not pressure sensor.

It's on the front of the oil pan, facing the radiator. Here's a pic of an oil pan. (Same location for steel pan) See the hole in the front. Bingo... it's a large size as well and not super tight. I use a large adjustable.

Yeah I totally read that wrong. I stand by my statements on the crappy aftermarket sensors

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I totally agreed with you. I cringe when someone says "I bought an Autozone maf". At least we know the problem in those cases..lol

So to install a new level sensor what should I do? I think I know, as i stated in the beginning, but no one has confirmed the installation process....

Ok..didn't realize you needed the step by step in that much detail. You'll understand why once you do it. Having not done it..I understand why you are asking.

1. Jack and support car.
2. Drain oil
3. Look at sensor and find hole for the wiring connector's tab. You might need to loosen the sensor a half turn to find this area. Using a small screwdriver.. lift the tab up on the connector and pull it off the sensor. This will be the edge closest to the pan.
4. Unscrew the sensor (large adjustable is my tool of choice)
5. Check for the o-ring, it likes to stick to the pan. Pull off if needed.
6. Check new sensor for o-ring and put new sensor in pan
7. Reconnect the electrical connector
8. Finish oil change with fresh filter and oil
9. Put car back on it's wheels
10. Smile because that's the easiest thing you'll ever do on a car beside filling the tank.